The 6th Annual Mental Health Matters memorial fishing tournament returns this year, running from Aug. 1-3, and is hosted by the Southern Tier Fishing Group. Registration will be at Pavillion 1 at Hickories Park in Owego beginning on Friday at 3 p.m., with final weigh-ins on Sunday at 3 p.m.
This year, the “Triple Threat” challenge returns – participants will catch three species: catfish, carp, and bass, with the first-place winner receiving $1,000. Second place is $500, and third place is $300. There is also a youth division.
Boundaries are from where the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers meet downstream to the Pennsylvania border. Details, including rules and regulations, can be found on the Southern Tier Fishing FB page, Mental Health Matters.
Vinnie was one of the estimated 45,979 people who died by suicide in the United States in 2020. Across the globe, almost 800,000 people die by suicide every year. Of those deaths, approximately 75%-80% are male.
The event hopes to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. They hope that by raising awareness through this outlet, it will shine a light on people’s lives and encourage others to know they are not alone.
Fishing was an outlet loved by Vinnie and allows people to free their minds from mental strain while enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature. It had always been an important part of Vinnie’s life, and, on behalf of his family, they were honored to carry on his legacy through the journey of this annual event.
This will be the third year that the event hosts a barbecue dinner on Sunday, served from noon until gone, to benefit a graduating senior from Owego Free Academy entering the mental health field. The 2025 graduating senior who received the $1,000 scholarship was Jessica Baumbach.
As part of the “Mental Health Matters” Memorial Fishing Tournament, a barbecue dinner is set for Sunday, Aug. 3, will benefit a graduating senior from Owego Free Academy entering the mental health field. The 2025 graduating senior who received the $1,000 scholarship was Jessica Baumbach, pictured. Photo provided.
Tickets are $13.00 and available by email to vincentcontisf@yahoo.com, by texting (607) 349-8109, as well as purchasing the day of the event at Pavilion 1 at Hickories Park.
Sponsors are always welcome to help support the event’s costs and prizes. Thanks is extended to the event’s past sponsors: Scott Smith & Son, Hottle Farms, Wagner Lumber, AL George, The Cider Mill, Steve and Carlene Gleason, dba as CW Tree, and In Full Bloom Photography.
The Conti family wants to express their gratitude to the community for their continued support; mental health matters to all.
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